The Victorian novel Sara Decorte VB

The Victorian novel Themes Stylistic features Narrator Setting Anti-Victorianism

Themes Contrasts and problems of relationship between the rich and the poor Philanthropy Family life, especially middle class family life Children’s exploitation, education and situation of the workhouses Industrial civilization

Stylistic features Grotesque -Caricature The characterization of Mr Bouderby: “Why, Mr Bounderby was as near being Mr Grangrind’s bosom friend, as a man perfectly devoid of sentiment can approach that spiritual relationship towards another man perfectly devoid of sentiment. So near was Mr Bounderby – or, if the reader should prefer it, so far off. [...]” -Pathos Nicholas Nickleby, Oliver Twist. -Exaggeration Oliver Twist: “Oliver Twist and his companions suffered the tortures of slow starvation for three months: at last they got so voracious wild with hunger, [...]” Irony Nicholas Nickleby: “-[...] That’s our system, Nickleby; what do you think of it? -It’s a very useful one, at any rate,- answered Nicholas. -I believe you,” rejoined Sqeers, not remarking the emphasis of his usher; [...]” Parody Oliver Twist: “The board were sitting in solemn conclave, when Mr Bumble rushed into the room in great excitement, [...]”

Narrator Third person omniscient and intrusive narrator -Dickens: “[...] So near was Mr Bounderby – or, if the reader should prefer it, so far off.” -Thackeray: “If this is a novel without a hero, at least let us lay claim to a heroine.”

Setting The Victorian novel is generally set in the city, the expression of industrial civilization. The city is anonymous, a place where identities are lost. “Let us strike the key-note, Coketown, before pursuing our tune. It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it; but, as matter stood, it was a town of unnatural red black like the painted face of a savage.”

Anti-Victorianism The darkness of uncertainty Critical to a company by the double-sided There is more confidence that man is master of its own destiny, but only a victim Scientific approach to life Tragic effect Darwin’s philosophy of life “At sight of this Sue’s nerves utterly gave way, an awful conviction that her discourse with the boy had been the main cause of the tragedy, throwing her into a convulsive agony witch knew no abatement. They carried her away against her wish to a room on the lower floor; and there she lay, her sight figure shaken with her gasps, and her eyes staring at the ceiling, the woman of the house vainly trying to soothe her.